Cold-fX is a product derived from the roots of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). It was formulated by Jacqueline Shan[1] and originally manufactured by her company, Afexa Life Sciences Inc. (formerly called CV Technologies Inc.).[2] It was headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and subsequently, the company and lead product was acquired by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (headquartered in Laval, Quebec, Canada) in 2011.

There is little evidence to support that Cold-fX is effective in the common cold.[3][4] All trials have been done by the manufacturer and there has been poor data reporting.[3] According to Health Canada's Natural Health Product Directorate records, Cold-FX claims to "help reduce the frequency, severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms by boosting the immune system".[5]

Contents

There is no evidence that Cold-fX is effective in those infected with the common cold.[3] The effect of preventative use is not clear.[3] When used preventatively it makes no difference on the rate of infections.[4] It also appears to have no effect on how bad the infections are.[4] There is tentative evidence that it may lessen the length of sickness when used preventatively.[4]

Individuals requiring anti-coagulant therapy such as warfarin should avoid use of American ginseng. Not recommended for individuals with impaired liver or renal function. It is not recommended in those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Other adverse effects include: headaches, anxiety, trouble sleeping and an upset stomach.[3]

There is doubt in the medical and scientific community that Cold-fX is effective.[4] All the studies posing 'significant' results favoring the efficacy of ColdFX have been funded by the manufacturer.[4]

Other criticisms point out that these studies have been small scale, with conspicuously shallow participant pools and lopsided gender distributions.[6] Researchers have pointed out that there aren't enough studies on the effects of any form of Ginseng on the common cold to form any conclusions.[7]

Scientists have argued that Cold-fX has not been tested for its ability to treat a cold after an individual has been infected.[8] In addition, no studies have yet been performed to assess the possible long term side effects of taking the pills every day during the cold and flu season.[6] Afexa Life Sciences Inc. (formerly called CV Technologies Inc.), the makers of Cold-fX, were criticized for making health claims about the product that have never been tested or verified scientifically. Up until February 2007, the company advised a regimen of 18 pills over a course of 3 days in order to obtain "immediate relief" from a cold. Health Canada's review of the scientific literature confirmed that this is not a claim that CV Technologies Inc. is entitled to make.[9] The company formulated a separate product for this usage. A CV Technologies press release explained the change in the dosing regimen as a choice to take a two-tier approach application to Health Canada.[10]